Surfrider Foundation
Protects oceans, waves and beaches through a network of local chapters.
At a glance
Rating and filings checked Oct 13, 2026. Sources: Charity Navigator, IRS Form 990 via ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. How we check
Is Surfrider Foundation a good charity?
Surfrider Foundation holds Charity Navigator's highest rating: 4 out of 4 stars, with an overall score of 97%. Its 2023 Form 990 reports $14.3M in revenue, up 25% from $11.5M in 2019, and $13.5M in expenses. Rating checked Oct 13, 2026.
Finances
From Surfrider Foundation's annual IRS Form 990 filings (filed as Surfrider Foundation).
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Net assets | Officer & key staff pay | Filing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $14.3M | $13.5M | $19.8M | $472K | 990 PDF |
| 2022 | $12.3M | $10.9M | $18.6M | $432K | 990 PDF |
| 2021 | $13.6M | $8.9M | $17.8M | $390K | 990 PDF |
| 2020 | $12.6M | $8.3M | $13.2M | $364K | |
| 2019 | $11.5M | $7.7M | $8.9M | $323K | 990 PDF |
A newer filing for 2024 is out but not yet summarized: read the 2024 Form 990 (PDF).
Officer & key staff pay is the 990's total for current officers, directors, trustees and key employees, not one salary.
What charities in environment & wildlife do
Environmental and wildlife organizations operate across a spectrum: from direct habitat acquisition and species protection to scientific research, litigation, policy advocacy, and grassroots organizing. The most effective combine on-the-ground conservation work with policy influence — protecting an ecosystem requires both buying the land AND defending it from political and economic pressures. Funding supports field staff, research, legal challenges, community partnerships in biodiversity hotspots, and public-awareness campaigns.
How to judge charities in this area
When evaluating environmental charities, distinguish between groups doing direct land protection, scientific research, advocacy/lobbying, and litigation. Each has different success metrics. Look for tangible recent wins — acres protected, species recovered, policies enacted, lawsuits won — not vague "awareness raised" claims. Charity Navigator's environmental ratings are a solid starting point.
How to support beyond a one-time gift
- + Become a recurring member — most environmental groups rely heavily on membership dues
- + Make a planned gift in your will or trust (environmental charities depend on legacy giving)
- + Volunteer for citizen-science projects: bird counts, water-quality monitoring, beach cleanups
- + Reduce your own footprint — flying less and eating less beef has more impact than most one-time gifts
- + Vote and advocate for environmental policy at local, state, and federal levels
Verify before you give
A few minutes of independent verification pays off — especially for larger gifts. These resources let you confirm the details on Surfrider Foundation:
Frequently asked
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